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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element • Green Building In 2007, Indian River County initiated efforts to become a certified green county. Through the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), counties and cities are designated as "certified green" if the city or county meets a minimum score measuring the degree to which green building principles are employed. The term "green building" refers to the utilization of certain building methods and materials to minimize environmental impacts related to construction and to reduce both short term and long-term energy needs. Achieving certified status means that county building policies are more environmentally friendly and energy conscious than "standard" building policies. Certified counties within Florida are also eligible for certain state grants related to green building projects. In March 2009, Indian River County achieved a "gold" certification from the FGBC for measures undertaken by the County that advance green building principles. In the future, the County should maintain or otherwise look for ways to improve its certification status with the FGBC. Air Ouality Comparison of 1986 FDER (now FDEP) local monitoring station air quality data with national ambient air quality standards indicated that air pollution was not a significant problem in Indian River County. As such, monitoring was discontinued after 1986. Generally, air quality in Indian River County is good. Problems do arise, however, on an area - specific basis, largely attributed to land clearing debris burning associated with the construction of sizable developments near residential areas. In 1990, the County adopted LDR Chapter 925, Open Burning/Air Curtain Incinerator regulations, requiring the use of air curtain incinerators - and minimum setbacks from occupied structures - for non-agricultural debris burning within the Urban Service Area (USA). Under this ordinance, the authority to issue burn permits is granted to the Fire Division. For the burning of land -clearing debris outside the USA, the local office of the Division of Forestry issues permits. As part of the permitting process, separation from adjacent land uses, and weather conditions (i.e. wind, dryness) are taken into consideration to minimize adverse smoke impacts to adjacent properties and to prevent uncontrolled wild fire. While large burns in conjunction with stagnant air conditions have resulted in periods of poor air quality in the past, such occurrences are relatively uncommon, and burn permits are not issued if such conditions prevail. Although the provisions of LDR Chapter 925 have been effective in reducing air quality problems that would otherwise occur more often, the County still receives smoke complaints when wind conditions are unfavorable and when incinerators are not properly used. Generally, the County's open Community Development Department Indian River County 118